Eviction moratorium expires March 31

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's moratorium on evictions is set to expire March 31. According to a news release from Legal Aid of Western Ohio, the American Rescue Plan does not extend the moratorium, but does provide an additional $21.5 billion in emergency rental assistance. Additionally, a federal court ruling in Cleveland stated the CDC lacked the authority to issue the moratorium, though a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice argues the moratorium stays in effect. Tens of thousands of Ohioans are at "imminent risk" of eviction, it states. Those facing eviction are urged to continue to apply for rental assistance and negotiate payment plans for back rent. In instances where the court has ruled in favor of the landlord, tenants are urged to check the court docket to see if the landlord has received a "writ of restitution," also known as a red tag, which requires the tenant to vacate the property in five days. The Lorain County Bar Association announced a landlord-tenant mediation program to address what is expected to be a tsunami of evictions when the ban ends, adding to an ongoing backlog, according to previous reporting. Online seminars for landlords and tenants will be available, and mediation is completely voluntary but the resulting agreement is enforceable. For more information, email lcba@windstream.net or call (440) 323-8416.